mid-season-report

It is one of the stranger seasons in Manchester United’s recent history. Sir Alex Ferguson’s reaction to Manchester City’s Premier League title victory on goal difference was to bolster his attack, while largely ignoring obvious problems in other areas. Ferguson spent more than £40 million on Robin van Persie, Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell last summer – attackers all – in search of more goals and greater penetration. Never again, said the septuagenarian, would his team lose a title on goal difference.

Yet that equation has always been a balanced one; goal difference is, after all, the sum of those scored and conceded. Indeed, Ferguson’s decision to concentrate on improving his attacking resources last summer is mirrored in United’s tactical approach through the season – the Reds have largely been open and fluid. The approach has left Ferguson’s back four vulnerable and a certainly sense of inevitability that United would concede freely this season.

There is much to play for in the second half of the season, with the Reds top mid way through the Premier League campaign and looking forward to a Champions League Round of 16 tie with Real Madrid. Yet, history says that teams of United’s open nature rarely win the biggest trophies. While Ferguson’s team has scored plenty, the side has also lost five in all competitions. The suspicion is that United will have to tighten up at some point. The question is whether the team truly can. 7/10

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Sir Alex Ferguson
The 70-year-old Scot now has a stand and a statue at Old Trafford – cynics might suggest that United’s directors are sending a less-than-subtle word Ferguson’s way. Yet, Sir Alex is driving forward with a rare determination, seemingly invigorated by City’s Premier League victory last season. Still, there are plenty of question marks this season: the summer rebuilding programme, tactical approach, and his faith with a tranche of players clearly past their best. This side is certainly not one of the Scot’s finest, but it will challenge on most fronts come May. 7/10

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David de Gea
Generally labelled as a goalkeeper with significant weaknesses, it is only in November and December that the Spaniard has secured a consistent run in the first team. Still, there have been fewer mistakes and more confident handling to go with the outstanding reflexes. It is hard to find major fault with a young stopper still growing into the art. Yet, Ferguson’s insistence on rotating his keepers, or indeed dropping one or other seemingly without fault, is the source of much frustration among supporters. Presumably for the Spaniard as well. 7/10

Anders Lindegaard
Almost in contrast to De Gea, the Dane is billed as solid and dependable. Yet, there was little steadfast in goals conceded against Gareth Bale, Clint Dempsey, David Luíz, and Daniel Sturridge among others. The suspicion, little changed from Lindegaard’s début at United, is that the former Aalesund ;player is good, but not good enough to be United’s first choice. It is seemingly an observation with which Sir Alex has only recently concurred. 6/10

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Patrice Evra
If Alexander Büttner’s acquisition was meant to put pressure on the Frenchman then it has certainly worked in a positive way. Seemingly in the doldrums for more than two years there is a new spring in Evra’s step this season, marked with four goals already. True, Evra has been either directly or indirectly culpable for goals conceded – then who hasn’t in United’s back four and central midfield? Moreover, a tactical system that emphasises attack and not defence has left the 31-year-old exposed far too often. Still among the very best, if no longer at his peak. 7/10

Rafael da Silva
It is surely a landmark season for the Brazilian youngster who has demonstrated a new maturity together with far more consistency this season. An injury-free run until the Christmas programme has certainly helped, as – conversely – has the long spell on the sideline suffered by both Phil Jones and Chris Smalling. On his way to become the classy full-back Ferguson always believed Rafael would become. Bravo! 8/10

Rio Ferdinand
Another solid campaign from United’s veteran campaigner who has overcome a series of back problems to feature heavily once again this season. Culpable for goals conceded at times, with the defender’s waning pace brutally exposed by Gareth Bale in Tottenham Hotspur’s victory at Old Trafford, but still as classy as ever on the ball. Will surely be offered another year at the club, especially with doubts surrounding captain Nemanja Vidić’s long-term fitness. 7/10

Jonny Evans
When Jonny goes marching down the wing he scores, he scores! Four goals from the Northern Irishman together with a string of solid displays mark another step forward in Evans’ career. The suspicion that there is a mistake – whether overt or more subtle – remains though and there have times when the 24-year-old has been caught out of position this season. But the days of Evans shirking a physical challenge are very much over. 7/10

Phil Jones
Long-term injury has restricted the former Blackburn Rovers defender to just seven games this season – three from the bench. There’s much more to come from the youngster, although no obvious place waiting for him in Ferguson’s team. n/a*

Alexander Büttner
Just a handful of games for the former Vitesse Arnham full-back who has confirmed suspicions that the 23-year-old was acquired for his price and not ability. Has sparked some life into Evra at least, but will never become an Old Trafford regular. n/a

Nemanja Vidić
Long-term injury followed an even lengthier layoff for the giant Serbian who began the season in rusty fashion following a six month break. There are still questions about Vidić’s fitness of course, which will be answered over the season half of the season. n/a

Chris Smalling
A frustrating campaign for Smalling who has spent much of the past five months in the Carrington treatment room. But Ferdinand’s age and Vidić’s fitness may provide more opportunities as the campaign progresses. n/a

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Antonio Valencia
There were few players as influential as the Ecuadorian during the closing weeks of the 2011/12 season. Valencia’s power, pace and consistency drove United forward and was a key factor in Wayne Rooney’s goalscoring run. The contrast couldn’t be more stark, with Valencia seemingly robbed of so much confidence that the winger rarely takes on a full-back these days. There is more to come from Valencia; the question is when? ;4/10

Nani
There have been few performances more abject in modern times than that of the Portuguese winger’s at Goodison Park on the opening day of the season. It has proven to be a barometer for the season. Not only has Nani rarely performed on the few occasions proffered by his manager, but Ferguson has lost all confidence in the player. Was it not for United’s shortage of wide players then Nani would surely be sold this winter. 4/10

Ashley Young
Injury has restricted the former Aston Villa winger’s appearances to little more than a dozen in all competitions this season – and there has been little consistency to date. Fine performances against City and Sunderland followed plentiful mediocrity in the preceding matches. Young will never become a star at United, but still offers an attacking option from the left. 5/10

Ryan Giggs
Stirring performances during United’s Christmas fixtures against Swansea City and Newcastle United brought memories of distant past. In truth, however, this has been a campaign that has served to highlight only the Welsh great’s decline. Giggs, says his manager, can play for another two years. He shouldn’t – not on this evidence. 5/10

Paul Scholes
Still among the very finest in Europe on the ball, but suffering physically this season. It is, of course, a hard observation to make about one of the finest players ever to grace Old Trafford, but Scholes influence is waning. Worse, in a midfield two Scholes has too often become a liability, opening up United and inviting pressure on a shaky back-four. 6/10

Tom Cleverley
It should be Cleverley’s breakthrough year. After all, at 23 and a full international, the Basingstoke-born midfielder is no longer the callow youth of old. Yet, the player has rarely enjoyed a long run in the United side. Still, there have been energetic performances in a deeper role than the midfielder enjoyed for Great Britain at the London Olympics. Could still become a key part of United’s central midfield. 6/10

Michael Carrick
The Geordie’s commanding performance last year were not replicated in the early weeks of the campaign. Carrick, it seemed, had regressed into his passive shell. Yet, aligned with Sir Alex’ view of the 31-year-old, Carrick has become stronger in the winter, once again demonstrating that he is the principal deep-lying creative force in United’s midfield. Consistently out-passes all, but could benefit from a more physical midfield partner when deployed in a central two. 8/10

Darren Fletcher
There are few players for whom there is such a groundswell of goodwill. The 28-year-old Scot’s illness has again restricted Fletcher’s role in Ferguson’s team, with just a handful of appearances, predominantly in cup competitions. 5/10

Anderson
Another frustrating campaign for the Brazilian, who has started just three Premier League matches in the campaign to date. Once again there have been flashes of the brilliance that prompted Sir Alex to pay €30 million for the player more than five years ago. They are far too infrequent. And then, once again, came injury as Anderson picked up a hamstring injury against Reading in early December. A career? An absurdest performance of Waiting for Godot. 5/10

Shinji Kagawa
With Kagawa came much hope. Creativity, touch, no little panache, and goals. Lots of goals in German football with Borussia Dortmund. Early season performances solidified the impression, until form dipped and injury struck. There is much more to come. n/a

Nick Powell
There is a feeling that Ferguson has bought a gem in the former Crewe Alexandra youngster, who so easily floats in between midfield and attack. There have been few opportunities to date, but already Powell looks at ease in higher company. n/a

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Robin van Persie
It comes to something when a £24 million 29-year-old injury-prone striker becomes a ‘bargain’, but can the Dutchman be described any other way? Ferguson’s comparison to Eric Cantona is fatuous – the Frenchman influenced a generation – but van Persie’s impact on the pitch is certainly no less to date. It is not only the striker’s goals – 16 – that have been so impressive, but the Dutchman’s all-round game. Class on and off the field. 9/10

Wayne Rooney
The Englishman is still United’s most important player, despite moving into a deeper role this season. Indeed, the former Evertonian has become the Reds creative hub 15 yards in van Persie’s shadow. True, there have been fewer goals, and at times flat performances – see Swansea for evidence – but fans need only witness Rooney’s star turn in the derby for evidence of his enduring class. Central to all United’s hopes and dreams in the second half of the season. 7/10

Javier Hernández
It was always going to be a frustrating season for the livewire Mexican after van Persie’s arrival. Not least because Hernández is alone among Ferguson’s strikers in being inflexible. Yet, 10 goals in all competitions have come, including and important burst during the autumn. Hernández will score important goals for the club this season – and 20 in all competitions is a reasonable ask – but will the player always be happy coming off the bench? 6/10

Danny Welbeck
Frustration abounds for Welbeck, who has become the principal victim of van Persie’s arrival at Old Trafford. The Longsight-born youngster had struck up a fine partnership with Rooney last season, only to see his importance to Ferguson’s team usurped. Welbeck will contribute this season, but it may not always be in his favoured central striking role – not while van Perise is fit. Still, time is on the player’s side and there will be a key contribution or more from the Englishman in the months ahead. 5/10

* ratings given to players who have made 10 appearances or more in all competitions

How does one characterise Manchester United’s season to date? After all Sir Alex Ferguson’s side lies second in the Premier League after 18 games, with only goal difference separating the Reds from cross town title rivals Manchester City. Despite an ever lengthening injury list, the American owners’ parsimonious attitude to the transfer market, and City’s sovereign wealth, United will surely head into 2012 favourites to take the Premier League title.

All rosy then except, of course, for United’s disaster in Europe, where the Reds were knocked out fair and square by FC Basel and Benfica over six games. Neither are the continent’s leading lights. If United’s benchmark for success is Europe’s premier competition then group stage exit is surely a regression from last season’s run to the final. Add to that an embarrassing Carling Cup exit to Crystal Palace and the season begins to look far less successful.

In the Premier League Ferguson’s side began the season in blistering form, scoring eight against Arsenal at Old Trafford, and brushing aside West Bromwich Albion, Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers in the late summer. In doing so United played some of the most entertaining and attractive football of any team in Europe, including Barcelona, with Tom Cleverley and Anderson dynamic in central midfield.

Yet, that fine start to the season proved to be anything but sustainable, with the wheels truly falling off as City visited Old Trafford in October and put six past goalkeeper David de Gea. In truth a beating had been coming, with United conceding more shots on goal than any side in the division to that point. The lesson hit home in the most humiliating fashion, but Ferguson’s side responded strongly – domestically at least – by tightening up at the back, and winning a succession of games by a single goal margin.

In Europe, United’s campaign was nothing short of calamitous – performances, results and Ferguson’s management. From the beginning the Reds appeared to take the group lightly; less seriously than both the quality of opposition, and quality of Ferguson’s resources, deserved. Indeed, had the Scot not heavily rotated his team, in a group that United’s manager clearly believed was less than challenging, the Reds may well be facing a last 16 tie with Bayern Munich in February. Instead, United will meet Ajax in what promises to be a stimulating tie, if in Europe’s second division.

Elsewhere, United exited the Carling Cup at the quarter-final stage after the embarrassing loss to Palace. That would have been acceptable if the United manager had used the competition to blood younger players. Instead, England’s second cup competition became a pseudo reserve competition for United’s squad players.

Sir Alex Ferguson
It has been a mixed campaign for United’s manager. Cleverley’s injury against Bolton in September, and Anderson’s sudden and not unexpected loss of form and then injury, certainly did not help Ferguson’s planning this season, although the Scot’s strategic choice to not invest in central midfield leaves a lot to be desired. Unless, of course, Ferguson is right when he claims that the ‘Ronaldo money is there’, ‘there’s no value in the market’ and there is ‘nobody good enough for United’ in the transfer market.

Yet, the manager’s decision to rotate his team in Europe backfired hugely, for which the 69-year-old Scot is highly culpable. However, Ferguson drew a strong response out of his squad post derby humiliation – a series of results that no other manager in the league could have guaranteed. Once again the Scot will be required to create a team that is greater than the sum of its parts if United is to bring home a 20th domestic title come May 2012. 6/10

David de Gea
The 20-year-old Spaniard will undoubtedly become one of the world’s finest in the years to come. The talent at the Madridista’s disposal is genuine, and the player’s lifestyle and focus ensure that the £16 million signing will only get better with age. Yet, de Gea suffered a difficult start to the season, making a mistake for Edin Džeko’s goal at the Community Shield on debut. How could it be any other way – a youngster, moving abroad for the first time, under the brightest of media spotlights. It was always going to be a difficult start. 6/10

Patrice Evra
The Frenchman’s form is such that some supporters have questioned the 30-year-old’s place in the side. Yet, few if anyone will play more games for United this season than Evra, whose attacking contribution is not in doubt, but has on occasion become a defensive liability. Evra has plenty left to give United, but this is not the form of 2006-9. 6/10

Phil Jones
The cult of Phil Jones has been growing by the day since the defender’s £16.5 million move from Blackburn Rovers in the summer. The 19-year-old’s multi-faceted talent, dynamic drive and obvious leadership mark Jones down as a very rare talent indeed. Jones’ best performances have come from right-back, with the player’s more obvious mistakes in the centre of defence, although a nod to recent outings in midfield is worthy. 7/10

Rio Ferdinand
The 33-year-old old’s place in the United side was never guaranteed this season, with Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans and new signing Jones each competing for the (former) England defender’s spot. Indeed, early season injury to the former Leeds United player looked like it might precipitate Ferdinand’s demotion to the bench. Yet, in the past month Ferdinand’s performances have drawn praise. Rightly so, for he is still a fine player. 7/10

Jonny Evans
The 2010/11 season was a truly horrible for Evans, who may count himself lucky to still be a factor in Ferguson’s planning. Yet the current campaign has been something of a renaissance, with the Belfast-born player appearing in 19 matches to date. It is likely the 23-year-old will play more games for United in the current campaign than any other. Evans still has doubters, but 2011/12 is a big improvement to date. 7/10

Michael Owen
What’s that you say, 31-year-old striker Owen is injured with a return yet to be determined? Whatsmore United are out of Owen’s favourite competition, the Carling Cup. Wasted squad space. 4/10

Anderson
The Brazilian began the season in fine form, his partnership with Cleverley seemingly having rejuvenated the 23-year-old’s form. Yet, with Cleverley injured in September, Anderson’s form disappeared before the all-too-inevitable injury reared its head. Yet to convince anybody bar Sir Alex that a career at Old Trafford will extend beyond summer 2012. 4/10

Dimitar Berbatov
Four goals in two games in late December cannot mask Berbatov’s lack of contribution this season, despite the Bulgarian’s many admirers. It is, of course, not lack of talent that is holding the 30-year-old back but the form of United’s other strikers. Berbatov still has much to contribute to United, but it will still be a surprise should the striker remain at Old Trafford beyond next summer. 5/10

Wayne Rooney
United’s leading man began the season in superb form, suggesting that another 30-goal plus campaign was on the cards. Yet, with United’s form so went the striker’s in the autumn – or vice versa as the case may be. Once again Rooney’s ‘bursty’ goalscoring has come to the fore the season. He’s still the best at the club, but more consistency in front of goal would propel the striker into a different league. 8/10

Ryan Giggs
Just five Premier League starts and nine in all competitions for the evergreen Welshman, who still has much to contribute to United’s cause. Giggs deserves a new contract if only for being, well, Ryan Giggs. 5/10

Chris Smalling
Moved from the centre of defence to right-back for much of the season. Smalling has demonstrated both his versatility and some weaknesses in the process. Smalling is a natural centre-back of the highest quality, and a fine right-back who sometimes looks uncomfortable. Not Ferguson’s long-term option on the right side of United’s back four, but this campaign has once again demonstrated Smalling’s value to the club. 6/10

Ji Sung Park
Another bit-part role for the Korean this season, who has started just 11 games in all competitions. It is hard to envision Park matching the 28 game, eight goal campaign of last time out, but he still retains a role to play in United’s plans. 5/10

Javier Hernández
Six goals in 11 starts for Hernández paint one picture, although two injuries this season have curtailed the Mexican’s role. In Hernández’ stead Danny Welbeck has forced his way into United’s team. Yet, the 22-year-old scored four crucial goals post derby and could yet play a pivotal role this season. 6/10

Nemanja Vidić
United’s best player this season before an horrific triple ligament injury ended the Serbian’s campaign. The consequences of Vidić’s injury are yet to be determined, but could yet be serious come May. Reports of the Serbian’s decline were premature, but how the 30-year-old comes back from a very serious injury is key to his future at Old Trafford. 9/10

Michael Carrick
United’s best player during November and December and that is saying something given the Geordie’s poor form over the past two years. Carrick has never lacked for guile or defensive nous, and the 30-year-old’s ability to retain and recycle possession is crucial. Yet a more dynamic Carrick has emerged over the past eight weeks. Will it last? It could mean the difference between success and failure this season. 7/10

Nani
Another fine campaign from the Portuguese who thrills and disappoints in sometimes equal measure. Nani is absolutely crucial to United’s fortunes yet will, undoubtedly, shoot when he should pass, or pass when he should shoot at a crucial point this season. The talent is unlimited; the application sometimes faulty. Twas always the way. 7/10

Ashley Young
The £16 million former Aston Villa winger started the season, like so many of United’s forwards, in fine form. But form is temporary and class is… well, a question of quality that was always in doubt with Young. Will the 26-year-old be United’s answer to Lionel Messi? Never, but he has added to United’s attacking resources this season. 6/10

Danny Welbeck
Welbeck’s year at Sunderland turned, in the striker’s own words, a boy into a man. Welbeck’s talent was in question and the Longsight-born forward’s answer has been excellent. Is Welbeck good enough to fire United to Premier League glory? That is yet to be answered, but Welbeck certainly deserves his shot at a permanent place in Ferguson’s side. 7/10

Fabio da Silva and Rafael da Silva
At least one of the Brazilian brothers is normally injured, but too often this season it has been both. Despite Rafael’s progress in 2009/10, and Fabio’s last season, neither of the brothers has contributed much this campaign. Much more to come… if either/or can stay fit for a season.4/10

Tom Cleverley
Cleverley emerged from a loan spell at Wigan Athletic last season emboldened and confident. The player’s contribution to United’s excellent start cannot be overstated, and by contrast United’s form without the 22-year-old in the heart of midfield has suffered. The England international’s pass-and-move style could be crucial to United’s chances in the second part of the season – if he can regain and retain his fitness. 6/10

Darren Fletcher
The Scottish midfielder’s ill health is a blow both to United and the player. Indeed, returning to Ferguson’s side this campaign has come at a serious cost to the player. Questions about Fletcher’s long-term ability to return will now be asked, as will United’s strategy of not recruiting a midfielder last summer. 5/10

Antonio Valencia
The Ecuadorian began the season seemingly shorn of confidence and surpassed in Ferguson’s thinking by new recruit Young. Yet, with the former Villa player on the sidelines, and a lengthy run in the side inevitable, Valencia’s confidence has seemingly returned. The winger could well help Rooney fire United to the title. 7/10

Federico Macheda
Macheda’s disastrous loan spell at Sampdoria last season has set the Italian youngster back. Once ahead of Welbeck in the pecking order, Macheda will do well to resurrect his United career at all. 3/10

Darron Gibson
That Gibson remains at Old Trafford is something of a miracle. That the Irishman actually starts games for United is almost unthinkable. Injury to the Irishman prevented a potential move away from Old Trafford last summer, and with some irony, it is injury to others that may well keep Gibson in Manchester until summer 2012. 4/10

Mame Biram Diouf
Brief appearances in the Carling Cup aside, Diouf has offered nothing to United’s campaign. Come to think of it the Senegalese striker has offered little since a £3.5 million move to the club two years ago. 3/10

Anders Lindegaard
The Dane joined amid a chorus of doubts, with former United great Peter Schmeichel leading the choir. Yet, with six games played and no goals conceded there can be little doubt about Lindegaard’s impact. Solid, predictable and shorn of errors, the Dane is a fine goalkeeper. Is he potentially one of the greats? No. But probably the best back-up goalkeeper United has fielded in a decade. 7/10

Paul Pogba, Ravel Morrison, Ezikiel Fryers
Of the trio few may have predicted that Fryers would make the strongest move towards the first team this season. Yet, mature performances in both the Carling Cup and Premier League mean that the 19-year-old is effectively Evra’s understudy. 5/10

Morrison and Pogba have shown glimpses of talent, but not yet been afforded a run in the first team that so many supporters have clamoured for. In truth each is at least a year away from genuinely challenging for a place in Ferguson’s side. 4/10

Manchester United turn the year leading the Premier League, comfortably qualified for the Champions League knock-out stages and unbeaten – at least in the competitions that matter. On the surface Sir Alex Ferguson’s side reaches the mid-point of the season in prime place to challenge on three fronts come the spring.

But United’s story is just a little more nuanced than that of course.

The Reds’ single defeat this season, in the Carling Cup quarter-final to West Ham United last month, was no disaster; seven draws in the Premier League could have been. Fortunately United’s domestic inconsistency, especially away from home, is matched elsewhere, with Chelsea blowing a five point lead six weeks ago, Arsenal brittle and Manchester City far too conservative.

Tougher tests will follow though, with United yet to visit Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur in the league and the fragile nature of United’s midfield still potentially exposed.

In Europe, United drew arguably the easiest of first round groups, with Rangers and Bursaspor two of the weakest teams in the competition and Valencia a shadow of the side that almost threatened Real Madrid and Barcelona’s domestic hegemony. Certainly Marseille, whom beat Chelsea in the group stages, will offer a stern although not insurmountable challenge in the first knockout round. The Spanish giants are palpably better than United though and a quarter-final date with either will surely spell United’s demise.

Aside from an annoying habit of shipping late goals, the side’s real problem – the one identified by almost every fan, pundit and media outlet at the season’s start – is the lack of creativity at the heart of central midfield. Call it Glazernomics, call it lack of value in the market, call it poor planning but the decision not to strengthen may well come back to bite come the season’s end. 7/10

Sir Alex Ferguson
Entering his 70th year, with more than 24 years at United’s helm, Ferguson still has the strength of will and desire to drive the club forward even in times of economic uncertainty. Arguably, the Scot has the weakest squad at his disposal in the past five years – off-the-field distractions and injuries to key players have hardly helped either. But Ferguson has consistently generated more than the sum of this squad’s parts and proven a tactical innovator. This is no vintage United side but it is hard to beat. 7/10

Edwin van der Sar
The great Dutchman just keeps on going despite passing 40 years of age. Retirement may well come in June, although there seems little physical impeding van der Sar from continuing should he choose to do so. Mistakes have crept into his game at times, although very rarely as catastrophic as the one which gifted West Bromwich Albion at goal at Old Trafford in October. 6/10

Tomasz Kuszczak
The Pole in Goal will surely move on, if not this January, then in the summer following Anders Lindegaard’s acquisition. Rarely a disaster but very obviously not of United quality either. Kuszczak’s five appearances this season have offered little more than van der Sar some rest. 5/10

Rafael da Silva
Inconsistency and injury dogged the Brazilian youngster’s first two seasons at the club, with the disastrous red card against Bayern Munich last season almost certainly costing United a place in the Champions League semi-final. But the 20-year-old’s game has rapidly progressed during the autumn months to the extent that Rafael is now Ferguson’s first choice at right-back. Now one for the present not just the future. 7/10

Gary Neville
Nothing will take away Neville’s 600-plus games for United but there is little more depressing in sport than seeing a former great clearly beyond his best. Neville’s legs are shot and retirement is surely just months away. Cruel it may be but Neville’s four appearances this season are probably a quartet too many. 3/10

Rio Ferdinand
The England captain has seemingly overcome the persistent back and groin injuries that threatened the 32-year-old’s career at Old Trafford. United is much the better for Ferdinand’s involvement, whose performances have been consistent and calming. Ferdinand remains absolutely central to United’s success or failure this season. 7/10

Nemanja Vidic
With a new contract signed, fitness assured and the Serbian installed as team captain Vidic has produced the series of outstanding performances that place the 29-year-old among the very best central defenders in the world. Vidic’s form and especially his fitness will be essential to United’s progress at home and abroad. For now, Vidic has been outstanding. 9/10

Chris Smalling
The former Fulham defender has made a solid, if unspectacular start to his United career after the £10 million summer transfer. Appearances in both the Champions League and Carling Cup have shown the promise of a player who has plenty of pace, a strong touch and potentially outstanding passing skills. 5/10

Jonny Evans
What the Northern Irishman would do for a decent performance, perhaps even a partially incompetent one, such has been the defender’s form. Repeatedly out-muscled and often targeted, Evans has suffered the worst season in his short career with United. All is not lost but for now Evans might even benefit from a loan spell away from Old Trafford. 4/10

Patrice Evra
Such are the defender’s impeccably high standards that Evra fell some way short in the early weeks of the season. Put it down to a World Cup hangover, or fatigue after a 55 game season and a summer in South Africa, but Evra is finally rediscovering the form that placed the left-back among the very best in his position. 6/10

John O’Shea
Many is the time that supporters have wondered what the point of John O’Shea is. Not in some notional sense but in a very real, tangible, waste-of-oxygen kind of way. The Irishman has done little to change that feeling in another average campaign. Yet, Ferguson trusts the 29-year-old implicitly, proffering O’Shea with 14 outings this season and a rumoured £80,000 per week contract offer. 5/10

Antonio Valencia
It is hard to feel anything but sympathy for the Ecuadorian winger who broke his ankle so traumatically early in the season. Valencia will return in the spring and could offer United vital creativity as the season draws to a close. n/a

Nani
The Portuguese winger has come out of Cristiano Ronaldo’s shadow to produce a consistent, sometimes outstanding season. Frequently United’s primary creative outlet, Nani cannot emulate his compatriot for sheer destructive power but has become a vital cog in Ferguson’s machine. Getting better by the match, adding both more assists and more goals this season. 8/10

Paul Scholes
Outstanding in early season fixtures but found out when the opposition targets the 36-year-old for special treatment. Scholes still possesses all the skills of old but is a liability against more physical opposition. Still United’s most creative midfielder though and a vital part of the squad until injury struck in November. 6/10

Michael Carrick
Briefly, for about seven or eight games during the late autumn, Carrick emerged from an 18-month rut that marked the Geordie down for an Old Trafford exit. The former Spurs midfielder’s ability to recycle or retain possession is potentially central to United’s cause. Yet there is still the nagging feeling that Carrick is a long way short of his best. 5/10

Anderson
The Brazilian is perhaps, just perhaps, coming into his own more than three years into his Old Trafford career. Recent performances have demonstrated what Anderson can be – powerful, aggressive, with a burst of pace that can change games. Yet, Anderson is still wasteful in possession – giving away a quarter of attempted passes – and offers far too little end product in terms of assists or goals. 6/10

Darren Fletcher
After two years of outstanding displays Fletcher’s performances have been far more muted this season, to the extend that the Scot is not always an automatic first team pick. Yet, Fletcher will certainly be chosen for the biggest games and against Arsenal proved just why the 26-year-old has gone from Old Trafford pariah to Ferguson’s most important midfielder. 6/10

Darron Gibson
The Derry Dynamo is neither dynamic nor making any progress at Old Trafford. Now 23-years-old, Gibson possesses an outstanding long-range shot but little else that marks the Irishman out as a potential United star. Wasteful in possession, with a poor first touch and s l o w, why is Gibson still at the club? 4/10

Ryan Giggs
More than 800 games into his United career and the Welshman is still a valuable part of United’s squad. Injury aside, Giggs will play perhaps one in three United games. It might well be enough to earn the 37-year-old a final season at Old Trafford in 2011/12. 5/10

Gabriel Obertan
Now 18 months into a spell at Old Trafford and fans know little more than the day Obertan joined the club. The Frenchman has decent feet but seemingly little understanding of the game. Rarely used and 22-years-old in February, now is the time for Obertan to break through or move on. 4/10

Park Ji-Sung
Such is the South Korean’s enigma that a string of poor passes and lost possession is invariably followed by a crucial goal. Objectively Park simply doesn’t have enough talent to make it at United. Nearly 200 games for the club and six goals this season might say otherwise. Certainly Park offers more from a central position than wide. The problem is that he’s invariably wide left – the coward’s winger. 6/10

Bébé
The Portuguese forward is far from ready for regular first team action and a long way off justifying the £8.3 million it cost United to bring him to the club. But Bébé has shown glimpses of talent – pace, strength and finishing skills, although his best position is still to be determined. Remains the strangest transfer of the Ferguson era. 4/10

Wayne Rooney
The former Evertonian described 2010 as a “nightmare” – if only that were true. Sadly, Rooney’s terrible form is very real; the worst year of his career to date. Moreover, the striker’s off-the-field behaviour – drinking, smoking, hookers and contract ‘negotiations’ – have left a very sour taste in many supporters mouths. Needs a big 2011 to go along with the massive contract. 3/10

Dimitar Berbatov
How fickle is the nature of form. Berbatov would almost certainly have left in the summer had a suitable buyer been found. Today, United’s season rests on the Bulgarian striker’s goals, with 14 plundered to date. Yet, after a burst of seven goals in as many games at the season’s start, Berbatov went more than 10 without a goal. Eight have followed in the last four games. Consistency is now the key to the striker’s season. 8/10

Javier Hernández
The Mexican’s eight goals in all competitions do not tell the story. Hernández’ start to his United career and supporters’ reaction have both been positive. The question now is whether the 22-year-old can step up to the next level and cement a place in Ferguson’s starting XI. 6/10

Federico Macheda
The Italian teenager certainly has talent and a penchant for a brilliant finish – supporters have just seen too little of him. There’s little doubt Macheda has the raw ingredients to make a fine number nine. Now a spell away from Old Trafford could make or break his United career. 4/10

Michael Owen
Still living off that goal against Manchester City last season. In truth Owen has offered very little to United save for the odd Carling Cup goal and a rash of medical bills. Almost certain to depart when his contract runs out in June. 4/10

Manchester United’s loss to Fulham at the weekend marked the midway point of the Premier League season and – in terms of defeats – United’s worst position at Christmas since 2001, when the club finished the campaign in third. But Sir Alex Ferguson’s side is just a point worse off than at the same time last season, having scored plenty of goals in the process.

Since the Premier League’s inception in 1992 United has lost more games in the first half of the season only once, in the aforementioned 2001 season. On the face of it the departures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez in the summer, together with Ferguson’s decision not to invest heavily in the transfer market, has affected on the team’s performance.

In the biggest Premier League matches, for example, United has struggled. Fixtures against other members of the so-called ‘big four’ – Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea – have been significant. While United beat Arsenal, Ferguson’s side lost to Chelsea and Liverpool. In truth, the Scot’s team were highly fortunate to get a result against – on the day – a superior Arsenal side.

In Europe United eased through a surprisingly weak Champions League Group B, although the number of goals conceded at home is a worry. Milan in February and March will provide a far sterner test of United’s credentials.

Tactically, Ferguson has flitted between a rigid 4-4-2, with Antonio Valencia proving a major success on the right-wing, and 4-5-1 typically deployed in the ‘biggest’ matches and away from home in Europe. But the Scot’s frustrating devotion to the lone striker has so often left Rooney isolated and frustrated.

Yet, Ferguson’s team has taken to the task of replacing Ronaldo’s goals with gusto. With 37 scored in the Premier League alone, United is well ahead of comparable feats last season even if there is some lethargy about the team’s displays at times.

Comparisons with the previous campaign are moot though. At this stage last season Ferguson’s men had already played each of the eight rivals that finished directly below United in the Premier League. It was a fixture list that Ferguson bemoaned.

This time around, United’s fixture list is much more balanced and the 37 point return to date will need hefty improvement in the second half of the season if United is to realistically challenge for the title. 85 points will probably win the title in a highly competitive season.

It’s a challenge that Ferguson’s sides have often met in the past. The question is, will the 2009-10 vintage be good enough to do it?

• Edwin van der Sar: United’s great Dutchman has played just five times in the league following finger and knee injuries. Whether it’s age or bad luck, United has missed both van der Sar’s composure and talents. 5/10.

• Tomasz Kuszczak: PIG has really come into his own in recent matches producing stand-out performances in matches against Portsmouth, West Ham United and Fulham. 7/10.

• Ben Foster: Billed as Foster’s breakthrough season, with van der Sar starting the campaign in the treatment room. Instead, Foster’s patchy form has relegated the former-Stoke ‘keeper to third choice at Old Trafford and probably out of England’s World Cup squad. 4/10.

• Gary Neville: Two years on the sidelines means that Neville is little more than a back-up player these days. If he can stay fit long enough to do the role, which at the moment he can’t! 4/10.

• Rio Ferdinand: The England defender’s fitness and form have deserted him this campaign in what has been his worst season in years. There is genuine concern about long-term decline, which will only be answered if the former Leeds United defender can return fit and healthy. 5/10.

• Nemanja Vidic: The giant Serbian started the season injured and is finishing the year in the same predicament, which has hardly helped his form. 6/10.

• Patrice Evra: United’s best defender by miles, Evra continues to entertain on and off the pitch. Officially the world’s finest left-back – something United fans have known for a while. 9/10.

• John O’Shea: The Irishman finished the previous campaign as United’s first choice right-back and his current absence is being felt.  Solid and dependable as ever. 7/10.

• Wes Brown: The Mancunian has missed more games than he has played, although this is hardly a new phenomenon. As always Brown excels when fit. 7/10.

• Jonny Evans: The Northern Irishman has performance admirably when called upon and looks every inch a centre half of the highest quality. An ankle injury has hampered his season. 7/10.

• Rafael da Silva & Fabio da Silva: The Brazilian brothers have hardly played because of injury. Each has talent in abundance but a propensity for injury will hamper their progress. 5/10.

• Antonio Valencia: The former Wigan Athletic wide player is one of the real bonuses of United’s season. The Ecuadorian has grown in confidence and influence as the season has progressed. 8/10.

• Nani: The Portuguese winger has been as bad as Valencia has been good. Undeniably talented but frustrating in equal measure. Looks as if his time at the club is up. 3/10.

• Park Ji-Sung: Injury has restricted the South Korean to a handful of appearances and the winger’s performance against Aston Villa one of his worst ever in a United shirt. 4/10.

• Gabriel Obertan: The Frenchman looks a real gem of a find by Ferguson and his scouting staff. The challenge for Obertan is to transfer promise into performances against the best opposition. 7/10.

• Paul Scholes: The Ginger Princes’ performances have been inconsistent this season as age increasingly plays a part in the United legend’s game. Brilliant against Tottenham Hotspur, woeful against Fulham. 6/10.

• Michael Carrick: The Geordie started the season on the sidelines but has grown in influence over the campaign. His emergency stint at centre half was impressive until a dreadfully inept display against Fulham. 6/10.

• Darren Fletcher: The Scot was United’s best midfielder until forced into an emergency role as defender during the recent injury crisis. The sooner Fletcher is back in the centre of the park, the better. 9/10.

• Anderson: The Brazilian began the season out-of-favour with Ferguson demanding more from the former-Porto player. But Anderson’s performances have steadily improved and recent matches suggest the midfielder is ready to take a step up. 7/10.

• Darron Gibson: The Derry-born midfielder has forced his way into the side during the recent injury crisis, scoring against Spurs and West Ham. But as the cliché goes, the jury is still out on whether the midfielder has the talent to take a permanent place in the side. 6/10.

• Ryan Giggs: PFA Player’s Player of the Year, BBC Sports Personality of the Year, United’s Player of the Year, soon to be Sir Ryan Giggs, all round nice bloke and probably the next Pope. 8/10.

• Dimitar Berbatov: Some brilliant performances not supported by the weight of goals expected of a £30 million player. World class but four goals in 20 games is not enough. 7/10.

• Wayne Rooney: Moments of brilliance only tarnished by the Scouser’s desire to do it all himself, especially when deployed as a lone striker. 13 goals in all competitions suggests that the former Evertonian can break the 25 goal barrier this season. 8/10.

• Michael Owen: The free transfer is doing exactly what Ferguson expected of him – better than a goal every other game (in terms of minutes on the pitch that is). Very little impact – Wolfsburg aside – when starting matches. 7/10.

• Danny Welbeck and Federico Macheda: Neither of United’s young strikers has played as many games as expected this season. A loan move will be beneficial for the Italian while Welbeck spearheads United’s Carling Cup campaign. 6/10 and 5/10.